Rushford-Peterson Downs Spring Grove in Sub-Section Final
Spring Grove and Rushford-Peterson have been familiar foes for quite some time, and this matchup in the Mayo Civic Auditorium was no different. The Trojans and Lions played a game that was an instant classic, and a game that will be remembered for a very long time.
Tied at 43, the Trojans had the all with 28 seconds left. Jacob Paulson had the ball on the right side of the floor, and attacked the Lions defense. Drawing a double team, he kicked the ball into the corner to Landon Skalet.
Skalet released the corner three with seven seconds left, nothing but net.
The ball went threw the hoop with 5.3 seconds to go, and gave the Lions an opportunity to tie the game. Chase Grinde had a solid look at the buzzer, but it didn't fall and the Trojans moved on to the 1A Section Final.
It was a game for the ages, that saw the lead change four times and have four ties. The largest lead for either team? Six. The game was always in striking distance for either team, but the Trojans were able to make one more shot count in this one.
The Lions were leading 28-24, when The Trojans' Noah Carlson went on a 6-0 by himself to give Rushford-Peterson a 30-28 lead. Spring Grove was able to tie things back up at 33, and 43, but the Trojans made the last shot that counted.
The Lions played great. They played solid defense, as did Rushford-Peterson, and fought hard the entire game. It was a low scoring affair, as the Lions led 19-18 at the break. Spring Grove increased its lead to start the second half, but the Trojans were able to battle back with the help of Carlson.
Paulson was a huge player for the Trojans, as he finished with 11 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Spring Grove had a couple nice players in Grinde with 11 points and 10 from Noah Elton, who was huge off the bench for the Lions.
The game was back and forth and very exciting, the atmosphere was incredible and a very, very fun game to watch and listen too.
With the win, the Trojans move on to play the Goodhue Wildcats in the 1A Section final on Thursday in the Mayo Civic Arena.
KFIL Subway Player of the Game (Rushford-Peterson) - Jacob Paulson
KFIL Subway Player of the Game (Spring Grove) - Noah Elton
Kingsley Mercantile Game Ball - Landon Skalet (Rushford-Peterson)